Fort Lee was built in Bergen County by General George Washington in 1776 as a link in fortifications defending New York and the Hudson river. British General Charles Cornwallis crossed the Hudson river 5 miles north of the fort with 5000 soldiers. Washington bid a hasty retreat during the winter of 1776-77. Later Thomas Paine described it as the times that try men's souls.

Bergen County had the distinction of being the only county in all the nation which saw George Washington during each of the eight years of the War. The Steuben's house in River Edge was General George Washington headquarters in 1780. The house was presented to Major General Friedrich von Steuben by the state of New Jersey in gratitude for his services to the Continental Army. The house now displays the collection of the Bergen County Historical Society.

Great for young kids -- The New Jersey Children's Museum is located in Paramus (599 Industrial Avenue). It has 30 theme rooms designed for children 8 and under. Choices include being inside a real helicopter to using a cash register.